12 Sep More Than Meets the Eye: Understanding Cortical Visual Impairment in Children

September is recognized as Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common yet often misunderstood causes of vision impairment in children. At the East Texas Lighthouse, we are committed to helping families and educators better understand CVI and providing the resources children need to thrive.

What is CVI?

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual condition. Unlike other vision impairments caused by issues with the eyes themselves, CVI results from the brain’s difficulty processing visual information. Children with CVI often have perfectly healthy eyes, but their brains struggle to interpret what they see.

CVI is most often linked to neurological conditions such as hydrocephaly, microcephaly, cerebral palsy, or a traumatic brain injury. Because of these underlying causes, parents and loved ones who are aware of such medical histories may want to be on the lookout for signs of visual impairment in their child. It’s important to note that only a physician can formally diagnose CVI, typically with the support of an MRI and other medical assessments.

This brain-based nature of CVI can make everyday experiences like recognizing faces, locating toys, or navigating a classroom overwhelming and confusing. Symptoms vary from child to child, but some of the most common signs of CVI include:

• Difficulty with visual novelty (recognizing new objects or situations)
• Attraction to light or prolonged periods of “light gazing”
• Strong preferences for certain colors
• Attraction to objects that include movement
• Visual field preferences (seeing better in certain directions)
• Difficulty processing visually complex environments
• Challenges with distance viewing
• Absence of visually guided reach
• Absence or delayed blink response to visual threats

The Impact on Children

CVI is the leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, yet it is still widely underdiagnosed. Because children with CVI may appear to see some things and not others, parents and educators may be uncertain about the child’s needs. This misunderstanding can lead to frustration, limited access to appropriate services, and barriers to education.

Children living with CVI often face unique challenges in school and daily life. Visual fatigue, difficulty with reading, or trouble recognizing peers can affect learning and social interaction. However, with the right support and strategies, children with CVI can build meaningful visual skills, gain confidence, and live full, independent lives.

How the East Texas Lighthouse Can Help

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Our team offers specialized training, resources, and programs designed to support children with visual impairments, including CVI.

We work closely with families to provide individualized plans that may include assistive technology, specialized intervention strategies, and adaptive learning tools. By collaborating with educators, therapists, and healthcare providers, we ensure that children with CVI receive the consistent support they need at home, in school, and in the community.

In addition, the Lighthouse hosts programs that empower children to explore independence in safe, encouraging environments. Whether through summer camps, hands-on training, or exposure to new experiences, our goal is to help children build confidence and discover their unique strengths.

Raising Awareness and Hope

September’s recognition of CVI Awareness Month is more than a date on the calendar, it is a call to action. By spreading awareness, we can help more families recognize the signs of CVI, advocate for appropriate diagnoses, and connect with the resources available to them.

Together, we can break down barriers, build brighter futures, and ensure that every child has the chance to see the world in their own way.